A Unique Portuguese Wheel-lock Pistol, ca. 1580, Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg

fernando · 6th January 2011, 06:06 PM

I hope this is not a bucket of cold water

After an instant investigation, i have confirmed the smith and owner provenance, but also found out this is a solid gold non functional example, apparently for shooting parfum or the like.
The hinged finial would contain social habits stuff like smelling salts.
As a 'compensation', i will now post a nice 1570 Lisbon wheel-lock.

.

6th January 2011, 06:06 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	I hope this is not a bucket of cold water After an instant investigation, i have confirmed the smith and owner provenance, but also found out this is a solid gold non functional example, apparently for shooting parfum or the like. The hinged finial would contain social habits stuff like smelling salts. As a 'compensation', i will now post a nice 1570 Lisbon wheel-lock. . Attached Images